'Light of hope' shining through siblings' music

DIANE TEZENO

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, August 1, 2006

The organization promotes education through music while providing a platform to nurture love, caring and compassion in youth.

Since founding the nonprofit last year in March, the duo has raised more than $10,000 for the Bush-Clinton Tsunami Relief Fund and Focus Humanitarian Assistance. With the community's support, they hope to continue to make a difference in the world.

The pair was inspired to start the foundation by the Aga Khan Development Network, a worldwide organization that revitalizes communities in war-torn regions. They decided to create their own nonprofit to provide youth with a way to make a difference in the world through music.

Their mutual love of music led them to develop the Music Heals Concert, a solo and ensemble chamber competition showcasing and nurturing the talents of Houston-area middle and high school students. The competition raises funds through the donations of corporate sponsors and from the application fees of students who submit audition tapes.

"Music is a universal language that everyone understands, and it opens barriers between people, young and old," said Naveed.

"Music is borderless, frontier-less and it can reach and touch youths around the world," added Noureen.

On June 6, 2005, the pair held their first Greater Houston Area Chamber Ensemble Competi-tion. It allowed musicians 18 years and younger to perform in a prestigious environment to earn scholarships and raise funds for charities.

This year the siblings' goal is to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association in tribute to their uncle, Nanu, who suffered a heart attack 10 years ago and is still bedridden.

Their parents are supportive, and work with them to promote the organization.

They sent applications to band and orchestra directors at 413 middle and high schools in Houston and surrounding areas to promote the concert. Students were able to submit CDs of their music for the competition.

A panel will narrow contestants down to the top three soloists and top three ensemble groups, who will compete at the Alley Theatre.

After the concert, each contestant will receive awards based on merit and a top soloist and ensemble will be chosen to receive $1,000 scholarships. Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace will be keynote speaker at the event.

In the future, the Nanjees may hold a fundraising bike race in conjunction with the concert. They also hope to create a positive perception of Islamic culture through their philanthropic efforts.

The community is invited to the "Music Heals" concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Alley Theatre.

A raffle, with prizes including an Astros T-shirt signed by Roger Clemens, four Astros tickets and a $25 gift certificate to Best Buy, will be held at the concert. Admission is free.